The Club was founded in 1951 by veterans of the first ANARE. The Aurora appeared at first as a news letter but was established as a proper journal when Frank Smith became editor in 1962. Frank continued in the job until 1971. Ken Simpson and Martin Betts then each spent a few years in the chair. In 1981 Shelagh Robinson (Mrs Rob) re-established the Aurora as a quality journal with a regular quarterly production, and ran it for ten years. Malcolm Kirton was the editor for the next ten years. Malcolm became ill and handed the reins over to John Gillies. John has brought the journal into the computer age, preparing the material with a desktop publishing program. After proof reading a CD with all the material is delivered to the printer, who returns the printed Auroras, which are packed for posting by a group of volunteers each quarter. This is a result of what you, the Club members, have contributed in the way of articles and news items.
What Club members most value from their Club association is their opportunity to keep up old comradeship's at midwinter dinners and other social functions. The AURORA plays a part in advertising these events and by reporting news of members' activities.
Almost all members' subscriptions go to production costs of AURORA and its postage, and that the Club needs to give value for money. The AURORA tries to do this by:
In addition, over the past few years the AURORA has acquired an important social function; that is as a repository of much of ANARE's history, particularly those personal reminiscences that might otherwise be lost.
The ANARE Club Council meets regularly at;
The RSL Sub Branch, 163 Carinish Road, Clayton, Vic.
The ANARE Club, through its AURORA Journal and the executive committee, serve as a vehicle and forum to express the views and news of it's members on Antarctic issues of concern, especially those affecting Australian interests. The Club is also a means of keeping in touch with fellow expeditioners.
Currently, Full membership (subject to verification) is limited to anyone who has served with ANARE south of Latitude 50 degrees South. Associate membership is available to those who have assisted ANARE, also to members of other polar expeditions.
ANARE expeditioners are thus encouraged to join the ANARE Club and participate in Club social activities as well as receive the official club journal. The AURORA journal is only made possible through membership subscriptions and by the volunteer efforts of a few members. The ANARE Club is a club that encourages member participation and articles for publication, especially of ones Antarctic experiences.
Dues of $35 per year for Australian and Australian Territory postal addresses and $45 for overseas addresses (which includes postage). This entitles members to receive the AURORA Journal. Club souvenirs in the form of lapel badges, ties, T-shirts, plaques etc. are also available for purchase.
All eligible ANARE men and women are encouraged to consider joining the ANARE Club in order to help continue a great tradition and provide a service to members.
In writing;
The Secretary
ANARE CLUB
GPO BOX 2534
MELBOURNE 3001